Is Firefox Compatible with Windows 11?
Introduction
Mozilla Firefox is a widely used open-source web browser known for its privacy features and independent rendering engine. This article covers Firefox’s compatibility with Windows 11, including ARM support and system integration.
Key Takeaways
- Firefox is fully compatible with Windows 11 with native x64 and ARM64 builds.
- Snap Layouts support integrates with Windows 11 multitasking features.
- Hardware acceleration and WebRender provide GPU-accelerated rendering.
- Auto-updates keep the browser current without manual intervention.
- PWA support is not natively available — Firefox removed this feature.
Compatibility Overview
Mozilla Firefox runs natively on Windows 11 and provides native ARM64 builds for Windows 11 ARM devices. Firefox uses its own Gecko rendering engine and WebRender compositor, which differentiate it from Chromium-based browsers. The browser integrates with Windows 11 features including Snap Layouts, taskbar pinning, and the system notification center.
Firefox is available through multiple installation channels including the official Mozilla website, the Microsoft Store, and the winget package manager.
Supported Platforms and Requirements
- Operating System: Windows 7 or later (Windows 11 fully supported)
- Architecture: x64 and ARM64 (native builds for both)
- Installation: mozilla.org, Microsoft Store, winget, enterprise MSI
- Auto-Update: Built-in background updater
- GPU: Hardware acceleration with DirectX-capable graphics
Known Limitations or Common Issues
- Firefox does not support Progressive Web App installation as a native feature.
- Setting Firefox as the default browser on Windows 11 may involve multiple protocol association steps.
- Some web applications optimized specifically for Chromium-based browsers may behave slightly differently in Firefox.
- Extension availability is broad through Mozilla Add-ons but differs from the Chrome Web Store.
- Hardware video decoding support may vary depending on GPU and codec (e.g., AV1 requires compatible hardware).
Alternatives or Workarounds
- Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge provide Chromium-based alternatives with PWA support.
- Firefox ESR (Extended Support Release) provides a slower update cycle for enterprise environments.
- LibreWolf is a privacy-focused fork of Firefox with additional hardening.
- Microsoft Store installation provides automatic updates managed through the Windows Store.
Conclusion
Mozilla Firefox is fully compatible with Windows 11 with native support for x64 and ARM64 architectures. The browser integrates with Windows 11 features and provides automatic updates. The lack of PWA support is the most notable limitation compared to Chromium-based browsers. Compatibility is generally reliable across Windows 11 builds and configurations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Firefox work on Windows 11?
Yes. Mozilla Firefox is fully compatible with Windows 11 and can be downloaded from the official Mozilla website or installed via the Microsoft Store and winget.
Does Firefox support Windows 11 ARM?
Yes. Firefox provides a native ARM64 build for Windows 11 ARM devices, delivering better performance and battery efficiency than running through emulation.
Can Firefox be set as the default browser on Windows 11?
Yes. Firefox can be set as the default browser through Windows 11 Settings. Firefox also provides a one-click default browser option that attempts to configure all relevant file and protocol associations.
Does Firefox support Windows 11 Snap Layouts?
Yes. Firefox windows can be arranged using Windows 11 Snap Layouts and Snap Groups for multitasking.
Does Firefox support hardware acceleration on Windows 11?
Yes. Firefox uses GPU hardware acceleration for rendering and video decoding on Windows 11. WebRender is used for compositing on compatible hardware.
Does Firefox auto-update on Windows 11?
Yes. Firefox automatically checks for and installs updates in the background, keeping the browser current with the latest features and security patches.
Does Firefox support Progressive Web Apps on Windows 11?
Firefox removed built-in PWA support in earlier versions. Web applications can still be used in the browser, but standalone PWA installation is not a native Firefox feature on Windows 11.